Broccoli Tots (Gluten Free)

Broccoli tots are a crunchy, bite-sized way to get more green vegetables on the plate — perfect for picky eaters, weeknight dinners, or a healthy party snack. This gluten-free version keeps the familiar comfort of tater tots but swaps potatoes and wheat-based fillers for broccoli and gluten-free binders. Below you’ll find a versatile recipe, cooking options (oven or air fryer), helpful tips, and several variations so you can adapt these tots to your pantry and dietary needs.

Why make broccoli tots?

• They’re an easy way to sneak vegetables into lunches and snacks.
• Customizable: dairy-free, egg-free, or extra-cheesy versions are all possible.
• Freezer-friendly for quick reheating.
• Hand-held and kid-friendly — great for dipping.

Ingredients (makes about 20–24 tots)

• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (about one medium head), lightly steamed and well-drained
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, set 5 minutes)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup gluten-free binder: almond flour, gluten-free panko, or a mix of 1/4 cup tapioca starch + 1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese) — optional but helps binding and flavor
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
• 1/8–1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil (for extra crisping, optional)

Notes on ingredients

• Drain broccoli well: excess moisture prevents tots from holding their shape. After steaming, press in a clean dish towel or use paper towels to remove liquid.
• Binder choices: almond flour gives a tender, slightly nutty tot; tapioca or potato starch + oat flour yields a firmer, crispier exterior. Adjust amount depending on moisture — start with less and add more if the mixture is too wet.
• Cheese is optional; for dairy-free, use a melting plant-based cheese or omit and increase binder slightly.

Method

1. Prepare the broccoli: Chop florets finely and steam for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to a towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Let cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained broccoli, egg (or flax egg), shredded cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the binder a little at a time until you have a moist, malleable mixture that holds together when pressed. You should be able to form small logs or cylinders without them falling apart.
4. Shape the tots: Using wet hands or a small cookie scoop, form 1–1.5 tablespoon-sized tots and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For extra crispiness, brush or spray lightly with oil.
5. Cooking options:
   • Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
   • Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange tots in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air-fry for 8–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until browned and crisp.
6. Serve warm with ketchup, yogurt-based ranch, mustard, or your favorite dip.

Tips for success

• Dryness is key: after steaming, remove as much water as possible. If the mixture still seems too wet after draining, add an extra tablespoon or two of binder.
• Don’t over-process the broccoli to mush; you want small pieces for texture. A quick pulse in a food processor works well.
• If making ahead, shape the tots and freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake or air-fry from frozen — add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• To make them crispier, a final quick broil (oven) or an extra 1–2 minutes in the air fryer at the end can help — watch closely so they don’t burn.
• Adjust seasonings to taste: add smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.

Variations

• Vegan: Use a flax egg and dairy-free cheese, plus 2–3 tbsp extra starch to firm up the mix.
• Cheesy bacon (GF): Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.
• Spicy: Add 1/2 tsp chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Serve with a cool dip to balance heat.
• Potato + broccoli mix: For a softer tot, mash 1/2 cup cooked potato and mix with the broccoli for a hybrid tot.

Nutrition & portioning
Portions and calories will vary by binder and whether cheese is included. Roughly, a 3–4 tot serving (without dipping sauce) is a reasonable snack portion for children, and 6–8 tots can make a light meal for adults when paired with a side salad or protein.

Kid-friendly serving ideas

• Offer a trio of dips (ketchup, plain Greek yogurt with herbs, and mild salsa) and let kids choose.
• Turn them into a “tot bowl” with rice or quinoa, a protein (chicken or tofu), and a drizzle of sauce.
• Serve alongside fruit slices and raw veggie sticks for a balanced plate.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooled tots in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Re-crisp in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes.
• Freezer: Flash-freeze shaped tots on a tray, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the usual time.

Quick troubleshooting

• If tots fall apart: mixture was too wet — add more binder and refrigerate 15–30 minutes before shaping.
• If they’re dry and crumbly: reduce binder slightly or add an extra egg (or 1–2 tsp of oil) next time.
• If too soft after cooking: bake longer at a slightly higher temp, or finish under the broiler briefly.

Variation recipe idea (Cheesy Almond Flour Broccoli Tots)

• 2 cups chopped steamed broccoli, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Mix and shape, then bake at 400°F for 16–18 minutes, flipping once.

These tots are a flexible, delicious way to add vegetables to snack time or meals. Play with binders and seasonings to match dietary needs and flavor preferences, and keep a batch in the freezer for busy days.

Conclusion

For a classic take with helpful tips and variations, see the detailed Broccoli Tots recipe at Broccoli Tots recipe at The Natural Nurturer. If you want another perspective with a tater-tot twist and serving suggestions, check out the Healthy & Delicious Broccoli Tater Tots recipe on Veggie Balance’s broccoli tater tots page.